Germany duo raring for action

On the day before their departure for Klagenfurt and Germany's opening match at UEFA EURO 2008™, both Lukas Podolski and David Odonkor appeared in good spirits and full of anticipation about the meeting with Poland.

Batteries recharged
"The break after the end of the Bundesliga season has done us good," explained Podolski. "We had some time to recharge the batteries and since then we've been working very well with our fitness trainers. Following a long season with the club, it was nice to see something different with the national team, do new things and new exercises. We are ready to go now."

Memories of Poland
Equally motivated is David Odonkor from Real Betis Balompié, who could well be one of the quickest players on show in these finals. "We are all delighted that it's finally about to get going," he said. Recalling Germany's 1-0 victory over the Poles in the first round of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he added: "I have happy memories of our last game against Poland at the World Cup but both teams have developed since then and it will be interesting to see how we will be able to transfer everything from the training pitch into the game."

Podolski decision
For Podolski, the big question is exactly how the FC Bayern München player, who has Polish roots, will be deployed. "I am training both as a striker and in midfield at the moment but no decision has been made," he said. "I've played well in games as a front man and as a midfielder. I'll have to wait and see where I play." One thing is clear though. Podolski, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Wednesday, is highly motivated. "If I was to say that this wasn't a very special game for me, I would be lying."